Like those of the past, the current uniform can be seen at the police headquarters museum in Houston. See other police uniforms through the years.

Photo: Nick De La Torre, Chronicle

Like those of the past, the current uniform can be seen at the...

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The 1880s uniform gave the force a western flair.

Photo: Nick De La Torre, Chronicle

The 1880s uniform gave the force a western flair.

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This 1891 "bobby" hat didn't block much sun.

Photo: Nick De La Torre, Chronicle

This 1891 "bobby" hat didn't block much sun.

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In 1918, Houston police adopted a military style.

Photo: Nick De La Torre, Chronicle

In 1918, Houston police adopted a military style.

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The 1941 design had flap pockets and epaulets.

Photo: Nick De La Torre, Chronicle

The 1941 design had flap pockets and epaulets.

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"Fast enough to catch you" says Houston Police Chief Charles A. McClelland, Jr. when asked the maximum speed on vehicle according to the speedometer while he checks out the inside of the new HPD patrol vehicles outside Houston Police Department Headquarters in Downtown on Monday, July 2, 2012, in Houston. HPD tested vehicles for the new patrol cars, along with the new black and white color scheme and logo design.

Photo: Mayra Beltran, Houston Chronicle

"Fast enough to catch you" says Houston Police Chief Charles A....

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Houston Police Department reveals the new image for future HPD patrol vehicles outside Houston Police Department Headquarters in Downtown on Monday, July 2, 2012, in Houston. HPD tested vehicles for the new patrol cars, along with the new black and white color scheme and logo design.

Photo: Mayra Beltran, Houston Chronicle

Houston Police Department reveals the new image for future HPD...

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Houston Police Department reveals the new image for future HPD patrol vehicles outside Houston Police Department Headquarters in Downtown on Monday, July 2, 2012, in Houston. HPD tested vehicles for the new patrol cars, along with the new black and white color scheme and logo design.

Photo: Mayra Beltran, Houston Chronicle

Houston Police Department reveals the new image for future HPD...

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Gustavo Rodriguez turns on the emergency lights on the new HPD patrol vehicles outside Houston Police Department Headquarters in Downtown on Monday, July 2, 2012, in Houston. HPD tested vehicles for the new patrol cars, along with the new black and white color scheme and logo design.

Photo: Mayra Beltran, Houston Chronicle

Gustavo Rodriguez turns on the emergency lights on the new HPD...

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HPD Officer John Eixman realizes he needs more leg room as he checks out the new HPD patrol vehicles outside Houston Police Department Headquarters in Downtown on Monday, July 2, 2012, in Houston. HPD tested vehicles for the new patrol cars, along with the new black and white color scheme and logo design.

Photo: Mayra Beltran, Houston Chronicle

HPD Officer John Eixman realizes he needs more leg room as he...

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(Left to right) Houston Police Chief Charles A. McClelland, Jr. and HPD Gustavo Rodriguez view the new HPD patrol vehicles outside Houston Police Department Headquarters in Downtown on Monday, July 2, 2012, in Houston. HPD tested vehicles for the new patrol cars, along with the new black and white color scheme and logo design.

(Left to right) Houston Police Officers Joyce Terry and James Tennard compare the different size vehicles currently tested for the new HPD patrol vehicles outside Houston Police Department Headquarters in Downtown on Monday, July 2, 2012, in Houston. HPD tested vehicles for the new patrol cars, along with the new black and white color scheme and logo design.

Photo: Mayra Beltran, Houston Chronicle

(Left to right) Houston Police Officers Joyce Terry and James...

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Houston Police Department reveals the new image for future HPD patrol vehicles outside Houston Police Department Headquarters in Downtown on Monday, July 2, 2012, in Houston. HPD tested vehicles for the new patrol cars, along with the new black and white color scheme and logo design.

Houston Police Chief Charles McClelland Jr. said on Thursday that officers' uniforms will change from the current light-blue shirt and dark pants to an all dark-blue ensemble.

McClelland said the new shirts officers wear will feature breathable panels on the sides that will offer ventilation and relief from the often brutal and humid heat of Houston summers.

It will be between 12 and 18 months before all of the police department's nearly 5,400 officers get the new uniform.

The department's more than 1,600 marked cars are also getting a makeover. The vehicles' paint scheme is changing from light blue and white to black and white. It might take three to four years before all vehicles get the new look.